Termite Infestation – What Attracts Them?

Termites are attracted to woods, and the specific reason behind this is that they look for cellulose. The common types of termites that you are likely to see around are drywood termites, dampwood, and subterranean termites. 

As far as dampwood and drywood termites are concerned, they are usually found inside the structure that they feed on. Subterranean termites, on the other hand, live inside the ground and are typically found in large numbers. In Nampa, coming across termites is quite normal and easy. 

Termites can be hard to find, and coming across them is not easy. However, this does not mean that you do not have them at your place. They are probably around already, but you might not have noticed them. 

Furthermore, subterranean termites also construct mud tubes through which they travel to their food source in large numbers. Mud tubes have many uses for termites, such as saving them from dehydration and helping them stay hidden. 

There is a chance that you may bring the termites without knowing it. This can be done by bringing wood for the fireplace. You can check pest control near me to properly fight termite infestation. 

Is moisture essential to termites?

When there is improper airflow, pipes are leaky, and drainage is not good either, so termites can get attracted. As for the dampwood termites, they rather like to feed on wood that is damaged by water. Subterranean termites cannot live without having enough moisture around them. 

How can you protect the foundation from getting these sneaky creatures?

Subterranean termites require mud tubes so that they can move to the walls from the soil. This is how they get inside homes. If you have any woods near the ground or house, it will make it easier for the subterranean termites to get in. 

Furthermore, having grown shrubs or mulch can also make it likely for these creatures to get in. Having firewood and trees close to the house can make it easier for these creatures to get to the property. You need to take care of these things. If you notice mud tubes building up on the wall, try to get rid of that, too. 

If there are any cracks in your property, that can make it easier for termites to make it inside. Having cracks around the windows will also make it easier for the termites to get inside. Swarmer termites have wings, and therefore, if you have any gap in the window sills, you will make it easier for these insects to come in. 

How will you remove termites? 

Homeowners need to be extra cautious and take note of all the possible ways in which termites can get in. You need to check if the humidity around your place is high and then use a dehumidifier to get rid of it. Termites find humidity a favorable factor to live somewhere. 

Any exposed wood needs to be covered the right way, too. Try to treat the woods as soon as you can so that termites will not make it to your place. You can consider building exteriors for the windows that have broken screens. In addition to this, broken plumbing lines need to be sealed as well. 

Fascia boards also help owners to keep the termites as they limit the access to the house. However, if these creatures still make it to your property and you do not know how to deal with them, then it is time you contact professionals in your area. 

Reach out to an exterminator!

It is always considered that professionals should handle pest infestations. In some cases, people use methods that not only prove to be ineffective but also end up harming their family and pets. 

Thus, it is always better that you have an exterminator handling the infestation. They are equipped with the necessary tools and have knowledge about different methods that can be used if something proves to be ineffective.